Fabricator Lead

Overview

There’s never been a better time to join Stratus! As the market leader in brand implementation and maintenance, we transform how national brands connect with their customers. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, every employee is a stakeholder in Stratus’ success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals with a commitment to customer service, focus on execution and bias for action.

Job Sumary: The Fabrication Lead oversees daily operations in the fabrication department, ensuring the production of high-quality signs, frames, structures, and other custom components. This role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, focusing on efficient workflows, team mentoring, and maintaining safety and quality standards. The Fabrication Lead is also responsible for troubleshooting issues, coordinating with other departments, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the fabrication team, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.
• Fabricate and assemble signs, frames, and structures using equipment such as CLN Notcher, CLN Bender, and Letter Lock Punch.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot fabrication machinery to ensure smooth operations.
• Review work orders, blueprints, and project specifications to plan and prioritize tasks.
• Train and mentor team members to enhance their skills and ensure adherence to company standards.
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets specifications and address any quality issues promptly.
• Monitor inventory levels of materials and tools, coordinating with procurement as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Production Supervisor to address personnel issues, optimize workflows, and resolve production bottlenecks.
• Document production activities, including material usage, job progress, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to promote safety and efficiency.
• Perform routine maintenance on fabrication equipment and tools to ensure reliability and longevity.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; additional certifications in fabrication or related fields are a plus.
• 3+ years of fabrication experience, with expertise in operating and maintaining fabrication equipment.
• Experience in the custom sign manufacturing industry preferred.
• Previous leadership or team coordination experience is highly desirable.
• Advanced mechanical skills, including proficiency with power tools, punch presses, press shears, and other fabrication equipment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work orders.
• Excellent communication skills to provide clear instructions and feedback to team members.
• Problem-solving abilities to address production challenges and implement process improvements.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining quality standards.
• Ability to stand, bend, and move for extended periods.
• Regularly lift and handle materials weighing up to 50-80+ lbs, with the use of lifting equipment as necessary.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with moderate to loud noise levels.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement practices is a plus.
• Proficiency in using computer systems for documentation and tracking production activities.

What We Offer

Culture & Growth

• Supportive, collaborative work environment
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Regular coaching, feedback, and mentorship to support growth 

Health & Wellbeing

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Health Savings Accounts with employer contributions
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program

Financial Security

• Weekly pay schedule
• 401(k) with employer match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability coverage 

Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid parental leave

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in an active manufacturing environment and requires regular presence on the production floor. The position involves standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout production areas for extended periods, along with occasional computer and administrative work. The role may require safely lifting and moving materials and supporting hands-on production activities when needed. Work may involve exposure to paint booths, machinery, fumes, dust, noise, and varying temperatures. Required personal protective equipment and all applicable safety procedures must be followed at all times.

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment with Stratus are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, in accordance with applicable laws. For certain roles, including those designated as safety-sensitive or regulated positions, employment may also be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and/or other regulatory requirements.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Stratus is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact [email protected] if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties or responsibilities. Responsibilities may change at any time based on the needs of Stratus.